Fundamental cosmic strings

• Published in: Contemporary physics 2005-09, Vol.46 (5), p.313-322
• Main Authors: Davis, A-C, Kibble, TWB
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Astronomy; Astrophysics; Cosmology; Earth, ocean, space; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; General theory of fields and particles; Particle-theory and field-theory models of the early universe (including cosmic pancakes, cosmic strings, chaotic phenomena, inflationary universe, etc.); Physics; Stellar systems. Galactic and extragalactic objects and systems. The universe; The physics of elementary particles and fields; Theory; Theory of fundamental strings
• ISSN: 0010-7514; 1366-5812
• DOI: 10.1080/00107510500165204

Cosmic strings are linear concentrations of energy that may be formed at phase transitions in the very early universe. At one time they were thought to provide a possible origin for the density inhomogeneities from which galaxies eventually develop, though this idea has been ruled out, primarily by observations of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). Fundamental strings are the supposed building blocks of all matter in superstring theory or its modern version, M-theory. These two concepts were originally very far apart, but recent developments have brought them closer. The 'brane-world' scenario in particular suggests the existence of macroscopic fundamental strings that could well play a role very similar to that of cosmic strings. In this paper, we outline these new developments, and also analyse recent observational evidence, and prospects for the future.